Calcium-Channel Blockers Side Effects and Benefits

Calcium-channel blockers are often prescribed to lower the heart rate and to lower blood pressure. Like beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers may improve blood flow and improve vascular tone through narrowed vessels. Some calcium-channel blockers are even endothelial-cell friendly—that is, they encourage smooth-muscle relaxation in the inner lining of your blood vessels—preventing spasms and helping them dilate, thus effectively lowering blood pressure. But there are many calcium-channel blockers side effects, as well.

A few commonly prescribed calcium-channel blockers include the following:

Verapamil (Isoptin, Calan SR, and Verelan)

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Felodipine (Plendil)

Sustained-release nifedipine (Procardia XL)

Side Effects of Calcium-Channel Blockers

Ankle swelling

Constipation

Fatigue

Headache

Dizziness

Bleeding gums

Lung congestion

Heart palpitations

Nausea

Abdominal cramps

Considerable controversy has arisen regarding an increase in mortality in some patients treated with short-acting calcium-channel blockers, so I recommend that you stick with longer-acting versions for treating high blood pressure. Check with your doctor to make sure you are on long-acting, second- or third-generation calcium-channel blockers. In addition, use caution when you combine calcium-channel blockers with digoxin for the treatment of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Some calcium-channel blockers side effects include an increase in the digoxin in your blood to dangerous levels, which can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or “heart block,” a serious condition whereby your heart rate can slow dangerously.

Potential Calcium-Channel Blockers Side Effect: Nutrient Depletion

Nutrient depletion is another common side effect of calcium-channel blockers. Nutrients that may be depleted in the body as the result of taking calcium-channel blockers include magnesium, Vitamin B6, potassium, zinc, CoQ10 and folic acid. Consequently, you need to make sure that your supplementation program includes these nutrients, or modify your diet to feature foods that are high in these nutrients that can fall prey to the side effect of calcium channel blockers.

DISCLAIMER: The content of DrSinatra.com is offered on an informational basis only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider before making any adjustment to a medication or treatment you are currently using, and/or starting any new medication or treatment. All recommendations are "generally informational" and not specifically applicable to any individual's medical problems, concerns and/or needs.

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About Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist whose integrative approach to treating cardiovascular disease has revitalized patients with even the most advanced forms of illness. Learn more about Dr. Sinatra

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